The Square Mile has witnessed an intense marathon of pickleball, spanning two days, as four resilient Londoners set a new GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ title for Longest Marathon Playing Pickleball (Double) – an outstanding effort.
Tony Matharu, founder and chairman of Central London Alliance CIC and Blue Orchid Hospitality, and one of the players commented:
“As a proud Londoner and a firm believer in the power of partnership working and collaboration, I was delighted to focus a global spotlight on The City of London and London more generally as the best place to live, work, invest, visit, study and play.
Our efforts demonstrated creative thinking, diversity, resilience and a can-do attitude to overcome many obstacles and challenges – just as Londoners have over the years – including those in today’s post-Brexit, post-pandemic world. I am delighted to be part of and highlight London’s world-leading achievements and global standing.”
Staged in the Crescent, adjacent to the Tower Suites by Blue Orchid Hospitality, spectators and supporters gathered from across London to watch the intense match, winning the admiration of hundreds for their sporting prowess and incredible physical and mental resilience. Among those in attendance were Alderwoman & Sheriff Dame Susan Langley DBE and Alderman & Sheriff Bronek Masojadaas as the players raised for The Lord Mayor’s Appeal and completed their world record challenge on City Giving Day.
Michael Mainelli, The Lord Mayor of the City of London commented:
“My heartiest congratulations to Tony Matharu and his team for achieving the GUINNESS WORD RECORDS title for Longest Marathon Playing Pickleball (Double).
This world record was a true statement of the power of teamwork and collective effort, and it is an achievement that reflects not only the strength of Tony and his team but also the vibrant spirit of our great global city.
Beyond the sporting achievement, the team’s commitment to raising awareness and money for charities, including the Lord Mayor’s Appeal, gave even greater purpose to the challenge. I would like to take this opportunity to thank them for their generosity.”
Blue Orchid Hospitality assisted the players with accommodation, food and beverage, changing rooms and their dedicated team worked throughout the night to support the players.
The Crescent, a previously unused space, has been redeveloped, first with the 2023 Padel Tennis Festival and now with the 2024 Sports Fest thanks to the Central London Alliance, Aldgate Connect BID and Blue Orchid Hospitality.
These organizations along with the Cheapside Business Alliance have worked together in partnership to revitalize disused spaces, developing an inspiring and vibrant destination for all while encouraging visitation, spending and stay in Aldgate and Cheapside.
One of their initiatives, Sports party 2024, a unique festival of sporting installations between July and September 2024, including pickleball adjacent to St Paul’s Cathedral and beach volleyball in Tower Hill. Just two of the sports saw 8,000 people attend over 5 weeks, with 52% of participants stating that they would not have visited the area if it were not for the sporting activity; achieve its ambitions to bring new visitors to the City of London. The successful sports initiative in partnership with the City of London Corporation also provided free coaching sessions to local schools.
Zoe Barwick, Director of Aldgate Connect BID commented:
“BID were delighted to partner with CLA to bring the pickleball pitch to The Crescent; this is yet another demonstration of the incredible work that can be achieved through creative partnerships across London. Sport has the capacity to achieve so much in local communities, providing local people opportunities, connecting local businesses and championing health and wellbeing This summer has seen some fantastic sporting installations across the BID footprint, with hundreds of visitors welcomed to the local area RECORDS title performance is the perfect way to end what has been a memorable sporting summer, and I congratulate all partners involved!”
CLA’s initiative, inspiration and creativity, combined with the collaborative efforts of several partners, notably Aldgate Connect BID, Cheapside Business Alliance and Blue Orchid Hospitality, showcased all that is best about London – its capacity for excellence, its resilience, its innovative thinking and its people.
For more information, visit www.centrallondonalliance.com
Player
Tony Matharu, founder and chairman of Central London Alliance CIC and Blue Orchid Hospitality, now three times world record holder, Niklas Johansson (both successful players from last year’s world record title challenge for longest marathon playing padel) with Adam Webb, Picklebros and Rishabh Vaish.
Supporters
The Central London Alliance was supported in the GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS title attempt by Blue Orchid Hospitality, Global Hospitality Services, Optimiser, Cento Alla Torre, Aldgate Connect BID, TEN Health and Fitness, BID food and Brakes.
